Mythological Words Quiz

Many English words come from ancient mythological stories from cultures around the world.  This quiz will explain some of these words to you.

• A.  okay

• B. also okay

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CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

The word "Herculean" refers to something requiring great strength or effort. Which of the following best describes Hercules, the mythological figure this word is derived from?

• A mortal who defeated the Minotaur in the labyrinth

• A hero who performed 12 nearly impossible labors as penance

• A demigod known for his wisdom and strategic thinking

• A titan who held up the heavens on his shoulders

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CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

The term "Sisyphean" describes a task that is endless and futile. Which action best symbolizes the punishment of Sisyphus in Greek mythology?

• Trying to fill a bottomless well with water

• Rolling a massive boulder uphill, only for it to roll back down

• Weaving a never-ending tapestry

• Balancing a scale that can never be equalized

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CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

The word "Pandora" is often associated with the release of unforeseen troubles. In Greek mythology, what escaped when Pandora opened the jar (or box) entrusted to her?

• The Titans and chaos

• Diseases, misfortunes, and hope

• The spirits of war and famine

• The secrets of the gods

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CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

The term "janitor" comes from Janus, the Roman god. What was Janus the god of?

• War and victory

• Doors, beginnings, and transitions

• Wisdom and strategy

• Harvest and agriculture

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CCSS.L.5.4B

CCSS.L.6.1E

The word "Odyssey" describes a long and eventful journey. In the epic that inspired this term, what obstacle did Odysseus NOT face?

• A six-headed monster named Scylla

• A whirlpool called Charybdis

• A lion with an impenetrable hide

• Enchantment by the sorceress Circe

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CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

The word "volcano" comes from Vulcan, the Roman god. What was Vulcan the god of?

• The sun

• The sea

• Fire and metalworking

• The underworld

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CCSS.L.5.4B

CCSS.L.6.1E

The term "atlas" for a collection of maps is inspired by Atlas, a figure from Greek mythology. What was Atlas's punishment?

• Supporting the heavens on his shoulders

• Guarding the gates of Tartarus

• Carrying the Earth on his back

• Being turned into a mountain

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CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

The word "maize" (corn) is tied to the mythology of the Taíno people of the Caribbean islands. According to their myths, how was maize first shared with humanity?

• It was stolen from the gods by a trickster hero

• It was discovered in a sacred cave and brought to Earth by a god

• It grew from the tears of a goddess mourning her lost child

• It sprouted after the first humans planted the bones of their ancestors

The term "narcissism," meaning self-obsession, comes from Narcissus, a figure from Greek mythology. What caused Narcissus's downfall?

• His inability to resist looking at his reflection

• His love for a goddess who betrayed him

• His failure to sacrifice to the gods

• His greed for golden apples

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CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4